OVERVIEW
Cruise the pristine waters off Sitka, admiring the impressive scenery while the guide offers all sorts of fascinating facts about the local history, wildlife and floathouse that you will visit. One of the most fascinating topics is how Sitka served as the capital of Russian America until 1867, when the United States purchased Alaska. You may also hear about Sitka’s cultural history. Once known as the “Paris of the Pacific,” Sitka claims to have had the first opera house, performing arts theater and grand piano on North America’s west coast.

Wildlife thrives around Sitka, and you might see bald eagles soaring overhead and sea otters, sea lions and seals frolicking near the rocky coast. Don’t forget to scan the forest edge for brown bears and black-tailed deer. In time, you will stop at a floathouse in Camp Coogan Bay, which was named in the 1870s for a soldier who established a wood-cutting camp in the surrounding wilderness.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise the waters around Sitka and hear about the city’s extraordinary history.
• Find out why Sitka was known as the “Paris of the Pacific.”
• Watch for iconic Alaska wildlife like bald eagles, brown bears and sea lions.
• Visit a historical floathouse on a serene bay.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

The ultimate Alaska experience begins as soon as you board our Alaskan-built expedition vessel in Sitka. While you settle into the comfortable cabin, our knowledgeable captain and crew will provide a safety briefing and orientation. Once underway, feel free to move about the vessel, including the spacious outside viewing deck. An onboard naturalist will provide narration regarding the remarkable ecosystem of the area and point out places of interest and wildlife throughout the voyage. Sea otters, whales, harbor seals, brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and a variety of marine birds are all commonly seen in the tour area. Our captains have the local knowledge and experience to deliver the best possible viewing experience on any given day throughout the season. At Fin Island Lodge, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious Alaska feast! Alaskan crab, wild salmon, prime rib, homemade side dishes, and dessert are all-inclusive with the tour. In addition, coffee, tea, cocoa, lemonade, Soft drinks and water are complimentary. A breakfast twist on our signature Fin Island feast is featured for guests arriving before 10am. Vegan and gluten free options are available, regardless of tour time, please advise your shore excursion department 24 hours in advance. After the meal, you may beachcomb, explore the beautiful grounds of the exclusive island, or relax next to the cozy beach fire. When the adventure concludes, your vessel will await to provide the short cruise back to Sitka.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through Sitka Sound on an expedition boat with wraparound windows.
• Look for wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, whales, bald eagles and tufted puffins.
• Feast on a meal of traditional Alaskan dishes at a lodge on forested Fin Island.
• Walk the island’s beach and sit around the beachside campfire, if you like.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city's highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley -- home of the Mendenhall Glacier. Upon arriving at Mendenhall, your Driver-guide will point out many of the attractions that you'll want to experience during your 2 hour stay. Areas you'll want to explore include the central view from Photo Point, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center -- includes a short film telling the story of the Juneau Ice Field, several scenic trails. The duration of the stay will allow for ample time to walk out to Nugget Creek Falls where you can stand along the shore as a large glacier fed waterfall terminates nearby. This same shore provides the closest view of Mendenhall Glacier without standing on the ice. Other area trails include Steep Creek -- where sockeye salmon can be seen spawning from mid-July through September, and the Moraine Ecology Trail. Each of these trails meanders through the Tongass National Forest, and many offer different viewpoints of the glacier in the background. Due to occasional bear activity, food consumption is prohibited in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.

Discover fascinating aspects of the native wildlife and local culture at Sitka Sound Science Center, and then return to Sitka to sample a selection of local craft beers. The science center is a great place to learn about the marine creatures indigenous to these waters. After your educational visit at the science center, a quick drive will take you to a scenic photo stop at the University of Alaska. Your guide will share about how the university was a military base and airfield during WW2. Following your historical immersion, you will head to the Channel Club restaurant for a light salmon meal and tasting of beers made with local ingredients.

OVERVIEW

Ride through some of Southeast Alaska’s most inspiring wilderness on a vintage railway that operated during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. As soon as the narrow-gauge train begins its ascent, you will understand why it is known as “The Scenic Railway of the World.” The views will be spectacular in every direction as you travel 36 miles roundtrip along a route that the prospectors followed more than a century ago. Sights along the way include the aptly named Rocky Point and Bridal Veil Falls, a long roaring cascade that tumbles down a steep mountainside. You will pass through tunnels and over trestles spanning narrow gorges on the way to Inspiration Point. You will soon realize why this railway was recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Its design was highly innovative at the time and constructing the railway was an arduous task.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride the vintage White Pass & Yukon railway to Inspiration Point and back.
• Climb high into the mountains and behold Alaska’s majestic scenery.
• Admire the ingenious engineering behind the railway’s construction.
• Hear enlightening commentary that describes the most significant points of interest.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Juneau is a spectacular place of diverse, natural habitats from valley glaciers, to temperate forests and natural fjords. Traveling in a small group of 20 or less, this exploratory journey introduces you to this pristine wilderness with a certified Naturalist Guide as your leader. Whale sightings are guaranteed (May 15th through September 15th) on this small group outing combining a marine exploration with a gentle hike on a secluded rainforest trail. Your trip begins with your guide sharing stories as you travel out to the trail head on North Douglas Island. A short hike takes you through old growth forest, musk keg, and out to a scenic beach. Spend an hour exploring under forested canopies and sweeping glacial landscapes. This small corner of the Tongass National Forest is home to beavers, eagles, salmon, porcupines and black bears. Following a short drive and a picture stop with the Mendenhall Glacier in the distance, you’ll climb aboard an exploration vessel specifically designed for up close wildlife viewing. The customized covered watercraft puts you eye-to-eye with the marine life that thrive in these protected waters. Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, porpoises, seals and sea birds are commonly seen. Keep a camera handy to capture the behaviors of these marine residents.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk through a primeval rainforest while learning about the flora and fauna.
• Cruise a bay where humpback whales and other marine creatures are commonly seen.
• Receive a free publication commemorating your experience on land and sea.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

There are fewer cities more spectacularly suited for a walking tour than Victoria. This delightful two-hour excursion will commence at the cruise terminal and start out along the seawall that is lined with the well-manicured lawns and gardens of those lucky enough to live with a view of the Strait of Juan De Fuca and the Olympic Mountain Range.

Stepping away from the bustle of the cruise terminal, you will walk down into the heart of downtown, which is full of shopping, restaurants, nightclubs and much more. The Inner Harbor of Victoria is a bustling and vibrant area with regular seaplane departures to the surrounding islands, street performers, local crafts and food vendors. This is also the location of the Royal BC Museum, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel with its façade of century-old ivy- covered walls. As you make your way through the city, your experienced local guide will share with you the inside stories and history of the area and a true insider's knowledge of all things unique to the City of Victoria.

Your guided tour concludes on the lawns of the Empress Hotel and you are encouraged to further explore Downtown on your own before heading back to the ship at your leisure. For those who don't wish to walk back, a shuttle will be available.

Cruise the sheltered waters of the Tongass Narrows and observe the boundless natural beauty on the way back to your ship. This alternative means of reaching Ward Cove offers express boarding, allowing you to bypass the long lines often associated with other modes of transportation. Ambient music on board will set the mood while you sample locally crafted beer or champagne, but majestic scenery is the real attraction of cruising versus driving from downtown to Ward Cove. Along the way, you will pass uninhabited islands, densely forested shorelines, and countless boats – both recreational and commercial – as the waterway is part of the Alaska Marine Highway and the Inside Passage. You may even see floatplanes taking off and landing with splash in the harbor. Be sure to look for wildlife such as sea lions and bald eagles. You may even spot a humpback whale breaching the water’s surface.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise to Ward Cove instead of driving and enjoy spectacular scenery along the way.
• Admire the natural beauty that comes right to the edge of Ketchikan’s city limits.
• Look for wildlife such as sea lions in the Tongass Narrows and bald eagles overhead.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This unique Alaska excursion explores the historical highlights of this former "Russian" capital city and includes a wildlife tour through the Alaska Raptor Center. The Raptor Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. After your introduction to the center, a presentation with one of the Center's educational birds will take place. Time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window, outside deck habitat areas and gift shop.

Next, you'll visit the Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska", was fought. The park hosts totem lined trails, cultural exhibits and carving rooms where native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. Walk the nature trail, view cultural exhibits and video presentation, or talk with local native artists about their cultural art form.

The final stop is visiting the Fortress of the Bears, which allows you to get within 25 feet of Alaska’s brown and black bears in a naturalized setting. You will enjoy observing 3 populations of bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced naturalist.

Travel along the incredibly photogenic Klondike Highway to the Canadian border, while pausing along the way to snap pictures of the gorgeous wilderness. The road pretty much follows the trail that prospectors carved out during the Gold Rush of 1898. The countryside is still largely undeveloped, except for a few bridges and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway that parallels the road. Roadside stops will be made to view natural attractions such as ancient glaciers and Pitchfork Falls, a lovely cascade that splits into branches that resemble the tines of a pitchfork. After pausing at the Canadian border at White Pass summit, you will travel back down the Klondike Highway toward Skagway. Commentary will enhance your understanding of the attractions and the area’s history.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Travel a picturesque highway that follows a trail created during the Gold Rush of 1898. • Snap pictures while pausing at scenic lookouts with views of glaciers and waterfalls. • Stop at the summit of White Pass, which marks the U.S. and Canadian border. • Hear enlightening commentary that describes the area’s history and attractions.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress warmly in layered clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

The city of Victoria is steeped in old world charm. With its manicured lawns and impressive displays of gardens and hanging baskets adorning the streets, you’ll see why Victoria is nicknamed the “City of Gardens”. At the cruise terminal you’ll board your trolley, powered by two magnificent draught horses.

Your journey will take you past the gorgeous historical homes, located between the cruise terminal and the downtown inner harbor. Enjoy the lively narration of your guide as they “giddy up” and “whoa boy” this tour through town! You’ll see the largest park in Victoria, as well as the famous Empress Hotel, and the British Columbia legislative buildings. Sit back and relax as you’re carried by real horsepower back to the ship.

Watch a traditional tribal performance that reflects the long and fascinating history of the Tlingits as a prelude to a feast of fresh seafood and other classic Alaskan dishes. After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at the Native Heritage Center Theater to watch the local Tlingits perform an inspiring tribal interpretation. The Tlingits have lived in this part of southeastern Alaska for thousands of years and their traditions run deep. They express them beautifully through interpretive songs and storytelling. The performers will be dressed in full regalia, including masks and headdresses. The entertainers will share their history from the time when advancing glaciers forced them out of their original homeland in Glacier Bay. They called their new settlement Hoonah, a word that means “where the north wind doesn’t blow.” With their rich history of harvesting resources from the sea and land, the Tlingit have always had great respect for the environment. Many of their performances express the significance of indigenous animals such as the raven, seal and eagle. Others tell of the tribe’s struggles with the harsh environment and poignant social issues. Following the performance, you will dine on a sumptuous meal of classic Alaskan dishes. The menu will include seasonal shrimp and crabs, Andouille sausage and all sorts of sides. Afterwards, you can make s’mores around the campfire. This is a set menu and accommodations cannot be made for special diets.